An introduction about the shuttle less weaving (Rapier loom):-

An introduction about the shuttle less weaving (Rapier loom):-

(2) RAPIER LOOM:-

Rapier loom is a shuttle less weaving loom in which the filling yarn is carried through the shed of warp yarn to the other side of the loom big finger like carrires called rapier. Rapier weaving machine are known for their reliability and performance. Since 1972 , the rapier weaving machine has evolved into a successful, versatile and flexible weaving machine. A very wide range of fabric can be woven on a rapier weavning machine which is typically from very light fabric with 20 g/m`2 to heavy fabric with around 850 g/m`2. Rapier machine are widely used for household textiles and industrial fabrics. Designed for universal use, the rapier weaving machine can weave not only the classic wool, cotton and man-made fibers, but also the most technically demanding filament yarns, finest silk and fancy yarn.

The rapier loom is emerging as weavning machine of the future. It is not far off from air jet loom in production (speed) rate (upto 1500 mpm or 600–800 rpm ) without scarifying their special status of flexibility.

image of Rapier loom ref by connect2india.

In rapier weaving, a flexible or rigid solid element called rapier, is used to insert the filling yarn across the shed. Rapiers are two hooks which carry the weft picks across the warp sheet. The first giver hook takes the weft pick from the yarn feeler and carries it to the center of the warp width. Meanwhile while the taker hook moves from the other side of weaving machine to the center. There, two hooks meet and weft pick is transferred to the taker hook. After that the giver hook returns vacant to the side it came from , and the taker hook carries the weft to the opposite side . As in the projectile loom, a stationary package of yarn is used to supply the weft yarns in the rapier machine also. One end of a rapier , a rod or steel tape , carries the weft yarn . The other end of the rapier is connected to control system. The rapier moves across the width of the fabrics carrying the weft yarn across through the shed to the opposite side . The rapier is then retracted , leaving the new filling in place. In some Verdol the machine, two rapier are used, each half the width of the fabrics in size. One rapier carries the yarn to the center of the shed , where the yarn to the opposing rapier picks up the yarn and carriers it , the reminder of the way across the shed. A disadvantage of both these techniques is the space required for the machine, of the rigid rapier is used . The housing for the rapier must take up as much space as the width of the machine. To overcome this problem, loom with flexible rapier have been devised. The flexible rapier can be coiled as it is withdrawn and will therefore require less space. However if the rapier is too stiff , it will not coil, if it is too flexible, it will buckle. The double rapier is used more frequently than the single rapier. Rigid and flexible rapier machines operate at speed up to 1300 meters of weft pe minute. These rapier looms are efficient. They operate at speed ranging from about 200 to 260 ppm at about the noise level of Projectile looms. They can produce a wide range from muslin to drapery and upholstery materials.

Newer rapier machines are built with two distinct weaving areas for the separate fabrics. On such machines, one rapier picks up the yarn from the center between the two fabrics and carries it across one weavning area, as it finishes laying the pick, the opposite end of the rapier picks up another yarn from center and the rapier moves in the other direction to lay a pick for the second weavning area, on the other half of the machine Fig. 2 shows the action on a single width of fabric for a single rigid rapier system , a double rigid rapier system and a system, a double rigid rapier system and a double flexible rapier system.

Fig. 2 The operation principle of three rapier system.

Rapier machine weave more than most shuttles machines but more slowly than most projectile machine. An important advantage of rapier machines is the flexibility which permits the lying of picks of different colors. They also weave Fabrics upto 110 inches in width without modification. Rapier loom is popular in the production of terry cloth because of their flexibility they offer for production.

Ref:-https://textilelearnerner.net.